SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE behaviour and an active Garda presence are key to ensuring that St Patrick's Day is not marred by alcohol abuse, according to a leading youth organisation.
Youth Work Ireland has called on off-licences and alcohol retail outlets to stay closed for part of St Patrick's Day or to refrain completely from supplying alcohol on what it says has become "a national day of binge-drinking".
The organisation believes the improved public order situation on St Patrick's Day in recent years has largely been due to the part-closure of outlets selling alcohol.
Michael McLoughlin of Youth Work Ireland said if retailers and outlets were committed to corporate social responsibility, this was an opportunity for them to show it.
"We need to address the culture of consuming alcohol on every occasion. It would be a truly fitting tribute to our national holiday if we could mark it by reducing our alcohol intake and start afresh in marking these events in a mature and proper fashion," he said.
The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland has urged its members to be especially vigilant this weekend to prevent underage people from accessing alcohol.
A spokesman for the industry group, which represents off-licences and alcohol retailers, said: "We're reminding all of our members that increased numbers of young people may try to get access to alcohol illegally this week and they need to be extra vigilant to prevent it."
Mr Gordon also urged members of the public not to engage in "secondary purchasing", the practice of buying alcohol on behalf of underage friends or relatives.
Alcohol Action Ireland has called on the Government to prevent retailers from reducing alcohol prices and having drinks promotions at holiday times.
Marion Rackard of Alcohol Action said the introduction of price increases would lead to a reduction in the level of harmful drinking in the country.
"As the Taoiseach has recently stated," Ms Rackard added, "alcohol is not the same as milk, and AAI urges the Government to rectify this damaging policy choice and follow the UK by raising the tax on alcohol."
Meas, the alcohol social responsibility organisation, has urged revellers to pace their alcohol consumption this weekend and to break the typical Irish stereotype of drinking to excess.
A selection of hints and tips on how to pace celebrations is available on www.drinkaware.ie
